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Hagia Sophia guided tours | A walk through Istanbul's crown jewel
Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
- Enjoy a guided tour of 3 of Istanbul’s iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over a span of 2 days.
- Skip the lines and enter the 4th-century Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir from the Byzantine times, with an expert English-speaking guide.
- Admire the artwork here with raised wooden platforms and aesthetic vaulted ceilings as you to the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
- Soak up the architectural charm and beauty of the Blue Mosque as you admire the hand-painted blue tiles that adorn the mosque’s interior walls.
- See the 5 main domes, 6 minarets, and 8 secondary domes and learn about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam and Istanbul’s rich heritage from your guide.
- Enter Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, an important monument both for the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires and admire its architectural beauty.
- Enjoy a guided tour of 3 of Istanbul’s iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over a span of 2 days.
- Skip the lines and enter the 4th-century Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir from the Byzantine times, with an expert English-speaking guide.
- Admire the artwork here with raised wooden platforms and aesthetic vaulted ceilings as you to the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
- Soak up the architectural charm and beauty of the Blue Mosque as you admire the hand-painted blue tiles that adorn the mosque’s interior walls.
- See the 5 main domes, 6 minarets, and 8 secondary domes and learn about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam and Istanbul’s rich heritage from your guide.
- Enter Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, an important monument both for the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires and admire its architectural beauty.
Inclusions
Basilica Cistern
- 30-min guided tour of the Basilica Cistern
- Skip-the-line ticket to Basilica Cistern
- Expert English-speaking guide
Blue Mosque
- 60-min guided tour of the Blue Mosque
- Entry to the Blue Mosque
- English-speaking guide
Hagia Sophia
- 60-min guided tour of Hagia Sophia
- Skip-the-line tickets to Hagia Sophia
- English-speaking tour guide
- Audio guide inside Hagia Sophia
Basilica Cistern
- Tip: The underground cistern is dark and damp, which can lead to a drop in temperature. It’s best to carry a light cardigan to keep yourself warm.
Blue Mosque
- Tip: Look out for decorations and items inside the mosque inscribed with the names of the caliphs and verses from the Quran.
- This tour is not available on Tuesdays.
- Please note that the security line can take up to 60 minutes in the high season.
- If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (a scarf is 1€ and a body cover is 3€).
Hagia Sophia
- Tip: Don’t forget to make a wish at one of Hagia Sophia’s columns, known as the ‘wishing column.’ Legend has it that if you poke your finger through a hole in the column and your finger emerges wet, your wishes will come true and you’ll be cured of any illness. No harm in trying!
- This tour is not available on Tuesdays.
- Please expect a considerable wait time as you enter the attraction, especially during holidays and weekends.
- Security checks at Hagia Sophia take approximately 30 minutes.
- Since it is a religious place, guests are requested to wear clothes that cover their arms and head.
- While photography is allowed, all visitors are requested to refrain from turning on flash and using bulky accessories like tripods.
- Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.
- These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of purchase.
Reviews
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4.0
303 ratings
152
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What our guests say
Niels
Dec 2024Verified booking
We were blessed with a great guide named Mehmet who provided us with information on the sides and about culture and life in Istanbul. He further took care of everyones personal needs like extended pauses for food and drinks!
DANIELA
Nov 2024Verified booking
Everything was wonderful the views the history of the places, and the guide which he was speaking really good english .
Naike
Nov 2024Verified booking
Beautiful and very interesting tour, Ali very kind guide, made us spend 4 hours without ever getting bored and telling us many historical anecdotes of this fantastic city
View original review in Italian
Niall
Nov 2024Verified booking
The history of the area. Seeing all the attractions. Tour guide was very engaging and knowledgeable. Being guided throughout and skipping the queues.
Ioan
Nov 2024Verified booking
Great introduction to the city history and culture! Seeing this amazing constructions,having Arda as a passionate and so knowledgeable guide helped us made this trip the highlight of the year!
Jennifer
Oct 2024Verified booking
Tour was fantastic with Busa - she was really informative and had a lovely sense of humour. Everything ran on time and the time at each place was perfect.
Valentina
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide Buse was really nice and knowledgable We skipped all the lines and got to know interesting facts about Istanbul history Good price for what you get
Tina
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide was so knowledgeable about each of the places we went, and he was very patient with our questions and keeping us all together.
Neil
Oct 2024Verified booking
Ticketing straight forward and we think Arder was knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour. He was a pleasure to be with.
Ilaria
Oct 2024Verified booking
Very well organised. Good that we managed to see 3 of the most important places in Istanbul with the same guide and within 3/4 hours.
Rainer
Oct 2024Verified booking
A great and interesting tour which provides you with a fascinating look inside a beautiful, iconic mosque. The tour guide provides lots of background information which makes the tour even more interesting. Highly recommended!
Michał
Oct 2024Verified booking
Besides visiting incredible places like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern, a real highlight was our guide, Arda. His knowledge, dedication, and sense of humor were outstanding. I highly recommend both Headout and Arda, an excellent combination!
Akanksha
Oct 2024Verified booking
Arda was absolutely fantastic! He not only explained everything in great detail but also made sure the entire group felt well taken care of throughout the tour. His knowledge of each place we visited was impressive, and he effortlessly combined that with a delightful sense of humor that kept us all entertained. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish, and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an engaging and informative journey of Istanbul!
Jenni
Oct 2024Verified booking
guide was dynmanic, tour interesting & covering all 3 in 4 hours was very time effeicent with a short stay. We travelled with 4 children- one 14 yrs and this held his interest salso which is not easy
Melissa
Sep 2024Verified booking
Arda was an amazing tour guide! Very patient and incredibly knowledgeable. I just wish I had a list of all the books he mentioned. I would recommend this tour to anyone. It's very worth it to skip lines and get more historical context out of your trip.
Ross
Sep 2024Verified booking
Our guide Arda was awesome, knowledgeable, organised, and funny. Skip the queue aspect made the tour even more pleasurable.
Franz
Sep 2024Verified booking
Everything was very punctual. The skip lines worked wonderfully and were also very necessary due to the large crowds of tourists. Guide very competent and experienced
View original review in German
Godfrey
Sep 2024Verified booking
guide was very polite, competent, good spoken english. mexican members of the group only spoke spanish therefore everthing had to be translated
Meganrose
Aug 2024Verified booking
Great to be part of a guided tour and be able to skip the queues. While our tour guide was very nice and clearly knowledgeable about the subject matter, he was difficult to understand at times and spent far too long talking. There were periods where we were standing in the hot sun (on the street outside the Hagia Sofia) or sitting on the floor (inside the Blue Mosque) for 30-40+ minutes - this was very uncomfortable and meant we had less time to enjoy the sites at our leisure. There was also a break for lunch not outlined in the ticket which meant the overall tour took hours longer than anticipated.
Marta
Aug 2024Verified booking
Skip the line tickets were the best thing we could do, it saved us hours of waiting in long queues under the sun. The group was quite small which make it easy to hear our guide. Our guide was great, he spoke very good English and explained everything in a very interesting way. I really liked that he also told us about Turkish history, culture, current situation in the country etc., I found it very interesting. Hagia Sofia was amazing and breathtaking. Basilica cistern was a big surprise, it's a beautiful place worth visiting. The time given in each place was enough for exploration and pictures. The tour overall took 4 hours. I highly recommend this tour when in Istanbul.
Maruen
Aug 2024Verified booking
Arda, our guide, was awesome even tho it was sometimes hard to hear every word he said (to be fair every place we saw was quite crowded). Also the skip the line feature is super useful! There is enough time to take pics and buy water or food during the tour
Elaguppillai
Aug 2024Verified booking
The information passed on by the tour guide can be found on Google. We were expecting something more. Time spent at Basilica Cistern was not enough and didn't have time to take pictures. There was an accident and our group member helped the lady. The guide didn't wait for the doctor to join us nor didn't help him on informing the people concerned at Blue Mosque. There was another lady missing after the Basilica Costern. He didn't do due diligence. I think we spent more time on the first one, second one just hurried through it and last one was an introduction only.
Maria-Jeanette
Aug 2024Verified booking
The tour are flexible in that you can join when you want at different times. We did the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia on one day and the Basilica Cistern the next day. Made it less rushed. Guide was very knowledgeble.
Justin
Aug 2024Verified booking
Not specific issues with the audio guide but The headsets where not functioning properly. Unless you where within 10 feet of our guide they where scratching and malfunctioning.
Jose
Jul 2024Verified booking
We loved it! The tour guide did an excellent job explaining everything, he was very knowledgeable and friendly. I will continue to used them on my next excursions.
- Visit 2 of Istanbul’s top attractions – Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque – at a discounted price with this combo ticket that includes a local guide.
- Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Blue Mosque, which is now open to the general public after 5 years of extensive renovations.
- Experience the beauty of Hagia Sophia, the largest religious building in Turkey, and view its magnificent dome featuring 40 windows.
- Join a complimentary walking tour of the Old City around the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and click amazing pictures of any gems of the Ottoman Empire!
- Visit 2 of Istanbul’s top attractions – Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque – at a discounted price with this combo ticket that includes a local guide.
- Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Blue Mosque, which is now open to the general public after 5 years of extensive renovations.
- Experience the beauty of Hagia Sophia, the largest religious building in Turkey, and view its magnificent dome featuring 40 windows.
- Join a complimentary walking tour of the Old City around the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and click amazing pictures of any gems of the Ottoman Empire!
Inclusions
Hagia Sophia
- Hagia Sophia Mosque entrance tickets to the visiting area
- 1-hr guided tour of Hagia Sophia
- English-speaking guide
Blue Mosque
- Entry to the Blue Mosque
- 1-hr guided tour of the Blue Mosque
- English-speaking guide
- Old City tour
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
- Tip: If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (a scarf is 1€ and a body cover is 3€).
- Please note that the security line can take up to 60 minutes in the high season.
- Photography and outside food and drinks are allowed.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.0
510 ratings
260
124
35
39
52
What our guests say
Niels
Dec 2024Verified booking
We were blessed with a great guide named Mehmet who provided us with information on the sides and about culture and life in Istanbul. He further took care of everyones personal needs like extended pauses for food and drinks!
DANIELA
Nov 2024Verified booking
Everything was wonderful the views the history of the places, and the guide which he was speaking really good english .
Naike
Nov 2024Verified booking
Beautiful and very interesting tour, Ali very kind guide, made us spend 4 hours without ever getting bored and telling us many historical anecdotes of this fantastic city
View original review in Italian
Niall
Nov 2024Verified booking
The history of the area. Seeing all the attractions. Tour guide was very engaging and knowledgeable. Being guided throughout and skipping the queues.
Shirley
Nov 2024Verified booking
Our guide was amazing, spoke English and explained many things . I wish I had his name to praise him to you as he was the best tour guide taking us through the Blue Mosque, the Underground Cisterns, and Hagia Sofia.
Ioan
Nov 2024Verified booking
Great introduction to the city history and culture! Seeing this amazing constructions,having Arda as a passionate and so knowledgeable guide helped us made this trip the highlight of the year!
Jennifer
Oct 2024Verified booking
Tour was fantastic with Busa - she was really informative and had a lovely sense of humour. Everything ran on time and the time at each place was perfect.
Valentina
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide Buse was really nice and knowledgable We skipped all the lines and got to know interesting facts about Istanbul history Good price for what you get
Ines
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our first guide, Arda, who took us around the first two sites was fantastic. Really knowledgeable and went at the right pace. However, our second guide, Martin rushed through explanations at the entrance to Topkapi palace, then used his QRs to scan us into the Harem and left. We hadn't actually been into any of the rooms or sites with him. He also pressured every one in the group to give him a tip before he left.
Tina
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide was so knowledgeable about each of the places we went, and he was very patient with our questions and keeping us all together.
Neil
Oct 2024Verified booking
Ticketing straight forward and we think Arder was knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour. He was a pleasure to be with.
Ilaria
Oct 2024Verified booking
Very well organised. Good that we managed to see 3 of the most important places in Istanbul with the same guide and within 3/4 hours.
Rainer
Oct 2024Verified booking
A great and interesting tour which provides you with a fascinating look inside a beautiful, iconic mosque. The tour guide provides lots of background information which makes the tour even more interesting. Highly recommended!
Michał
Oct 2024Verified booking
Besides visiting incredible places like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern, a real highlight was our guide, Arda. His knowledge, dedication, and sense of humor were outstanding. I highly recommend both Headout and Arda, an excellent combination!
Akanksha
Oct 2024Verified booking
Arda was absolutely fantastic! He not only explained everything in great detail but also made sure the entire group felt well taken care of throughout the tour. His knowledge of each place we visited was impressive, and he effortlessly combined that with a delightful sense of humor that kept us all entertained. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish, and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an engaging and informative journey of Istanbul!
Jenni
Oct 2024Verified booking
guide was dynmanic, tour interesting & covering all 3 in 4 hours was very time effeicent with a short stay. We travelled with 4 children- one 14 yrs and this held his interest salso which is not easy
Melissa
Sep 2024Verified booking
Arda was an amazing tour guide! Very patient and incredibly knowledgeable. I just wish I had a list of all the books he mentioned. I would recommend this tour to anyone. It's very worth it to skip lines and get more historical context out of your trip.
Ross
Sep 2024Verified booking
Our guide Arda was awesome, knowledgeable, organised, and funny. Skip the queue aspect made the tour even more pleasurable.
Franz
Sep 2024Verified booking
Everything was very punctual. The skip lines worked wonderfully and were also very necessary due to the large crowds of tourists. Guide very competent and experienced
View original review in German
Godfrey
Sep 2024Verified booking
guide was very polite, competent, good spoken english. mexican members of the group only spoke spanish therefore everthing had to be translated
MIRIAM
Aug 2024Verified booking
2 of the guides were excellent. The third one, that took us to Santa Sofia at 11:30 was very, very rude to one of the families on the group, the lady was almost in tears. I felt very uncomfortable and it spoilt the tour for me.
Meganrose
Aug 2024Verified booking
Great to be part of a guided tour and be able to skip the queues. While our tour guide was very nice and clearly knowledgeable about the subject matter, he was difficult to understand at times and spent far too long talking. There were periods where we were standing in the hot sun (on the street outside the Hagia Sofia) or sitting on the floor (inside the Blue Mosque) for 30-40+ minutes - this was very uncomfortable and meant we had less time to enjoy the sites at our leisure. There was also a break for lunch not outlined in the ticket which meant the overall tour took hours longer than anticipated.
Marta
Aug 2024Verified booking
Skip the line tickets were the best thing we could do, it saved us hours of waiting in long queues under the sun. The group was quite small which make it easy to hear our guide. Our guide was great, he spoke very good English and explained everything in a very interesting way. I really liked that he also told us about Turkish history, culture, current situation in the country etc., I found it very interesting. Hagia Sofia was amazing and breathtaking. Basilica cistern was a big surprise, it's a beautiful place worth visiting. The time given in each place was enough for exploration and pictures. The tour overall took 4 hours. I highly recommend this tour when in Istanbul.
Maruen
Aug 2024Verified booking
Arda, our guide, was awesome even tho it was sometimes hard to hear every word he said (to be fair every place we saw was quite crowded). Also the skip the line feature is super useful! There is enough time to take pics and buy water or food during the tour
Elisa
Aug 2024Verified booking
Arda did a great job! It always was interessting to listen to him. Topkapi palace was stunning and we liked this place a lot. The schedule was clever as we started at the palace and had time for lunch afterwards.
- Absorb the rich Byzantine and Islamic past of Hagia Sophia for an hour with an expert historian. Explore at your own pace afterward.
- Skip the ticket lines and head straight to the fun. Let your expert guide offer insights into different elements that make Hagia Sophia a historic marvel.
- Bid your guide goodbye, and take your time to listen to stories of Hagia Sophia in multiple languages, with your audio guide, as you continue exploring.
- Click insta-worthy pics of panoramic views from the visitors' area, which serves as a vantage point for photo-ops.
- Upgrade your ticket to include a guided tour of Blue Mosque or opt to add a 1-hour guided tour of the Old City with a Bosphorus Cruise.
- Absorb the rich Byzantine and Islamic past of Hagia Sophia for an hour with an expert historian. Explore at your own pace afterward.
- Skip the ticket lines and head straight to the fun. Let your expert guide offer insights into different elements that make Hagia Sophia a historic marvel.
- Bid your guide goodbye, and take your time to listen to stories of Hagia Sophia in multiple languages, with your audio guide, as you continue exploring.
- Click insta-worthy pics of panoramic views from the visitors' area, which serves as a vantage point for photo-ops.
- Upgrade your ticket to include a guided tour of Blue Mosque or opt to add a 1-hour guided tour of the Old City with a Bosphorus Cruise.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)
- 1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque (as per option selected)
- 1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia and Old City (as per option selected)
- English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia visitors' area
- Audio guide for Hagia Sophia
- 2-hour Bosphorus cruise (as per option selected)
- Audio guide for cruise in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese (as per option selected)
- Entry to Blue Mosque (as per option selected)
- Audio guide for Blue Mosque (as per option selected)
- Tip: There are many great restaurants located along the Bosphorus. Enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning view of the water.
- The prayer area on the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens.
- This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- In addition to midday and afternoon departures for the Bosphorus cruise, you can also opt for a special evening cruise at 6 PM, available from April to October.
- You skip the ticket lines but you cannot skip the security check. The security check can take up to 60 minutes during peak seasons.
- Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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4.3
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What our guests say
Yordanka
Nov 2024Verified booking
I felt that the tour guide was not knowledgeable enough to explain the history and the facts around Haga Sophia. We stayed around 30minutes outside and he was just talking and most of us are English speakers and couldn't understand what he was saying. One couple asked him why you need to cover your head when you go in the mosque and the tour guide said "these are the rules" and moved on. Repeatedly kept saying "by the way" and "actually".
Shirley
Nov 2024Verified booking
Our guide was amazing, spoke English and explained many things . I wish I had his name to praise him to you as he was the best tour guide taking us through the Blue Mosque, the Underground Cisterns, and Hagia Sofia.
Gillian
Oct 2024Verified booking
The communication has been very good. The guide was punctual and spoke excellent English . He had a good voice and he could be heard above the surrounding noise. Samet - our guide was very knowledgeable and approachable. I enjoyed his tour . The building spoke for itself. Amazing and well worth the visit!
David
Oct 2024Verified booking
The guide presented some interesting information and managed the tour well. It was good from that point of view. The skip the line ended up as a long queue in the sun - not directly your fault but it spoiled the experience.
Rene
Sep 2024Verified booking
The tour guide was very helpful. Unfortunately hard to understand. Other groups had headphones and the guide had a microphone. That would have been very helpful.
View original review in German
Nina
Sep 2024Verified booking
The guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable, shared a lot of facts about the history and background , plus very attentive to the group. Recommended to explore one of the main archeological masterpieces of Istanbul
Joseph
Aug 2024Verified booking
Our tourguide, Arda, was very knowledgeable of Turkish history, and enthusiastic to share that knowledge. A great walking tour with a spectacilar ending at the Mosque.
Adriana
Aug 2024Verified booking
We had Arda as our guide. He did a great job. Was very knowledgeable and calmly took his time to explain everything. Highly recommended!
View original review in Dutch
Abboud
Jul 2024Verified booking
Overall it was a great experience and our tour guide was super knowledgeable with the history and stories related to Hagia Sophia. We were running behind schedule due to Istanbul traffic, however customer support and the tour guide from Headout were super helpful and waited for us at the 11th hour. Highly recommended and will do it again when we visit next.
TAGHRID
Jul 2024Verified booking
The most i like the good explication of our guide,good English and he explains to us everything and he answered our questions, He is very professional i think his name was semit or semih
Jennifer
Jul 2024Verified booking
Guide was very well informed, spoke very good English and provided a lot of interesting facts and details about the Hagia Sophia as we got closer to the entrance. He was very nice and helpful.
Vinod
Jul 2024Verified booking
The guides had good knowledge and enthusiasm to showcase the vast history of these monuments. Overall good tour for us.
Marja
May 2024Verified booking
We got to go inside the mosques without having to wait in line for the tickets. The guide had a lot to say and was very helpful. The guide was a bit hard to hear inside the mosques though because of so many people. Also hee englisj was just okay. The meeting point was also a bit unclear as the guide didn't show up until at the last second.
Julie
May 2024Verified booking
We thought it was way over priced for what we got to see. We were only allowed in the top portion, so for price paid only half a tour considering the Blue Mosque is free. Couldn't get the audio to work, so no real tour as guide not allowed in. Only wanted skip the line tickets and audio but spent an hour outside with guide seeing things we'd already been over. Wouldn't recommend to others!
John
May 2024Verified booking
Ticketing was simple and quick. The experience was amazing especially given the excellent tour guide whom we had. She was calm, patient and helpful. The information she gave was first class and she answered questions with ease.
Vikram
May 2024Verified booking
The logistics (meeting points) and expectations in the booking email were outlined really well. The guide was knowledgeable and engaging. The website description, pre-booking, needs to be transparent about the fact that the guides are not allowed inside the Museum and the "guided" portion of the tour is outside Hagia Sophia, with a skip purchase ticket line included as a perk.
julia
May 2024Verified booking
We didn't realise we were being taken around a square and given a talk We thought the guide would be taking us into the hagia sofia and we would get the benefit of his knowledge in there As it was there wasn't too big a queue to get tickets
Michael
May 2024Verified booking
Our guide was terrific. He combined extensive knowledge of history with a little bit of humor to make the tour informative and enjoyable. Having visited the Hagia Sofia several years ago without a guide, I am glad we did a formal tour this time.
Alexander
May 2024Verified booking
Informative not too long introduction. "Skip the line" is a littlebit missleading, as security line needs to be done anyway and takes 45 min
Capucine
May 2024Verified booking
Although the platform Headout didn't help us with our requests and I had to restart the conversation with their bots many times and never got the help or information I needed. The actual tour and guide on location was super helpful, went the extra mile for us (we needed help for disability reasons). His tour was super interesting and I learned a lot even though I've been living in Istanbul for 10 years! Thank you 😊🙏🏻
CLEMENCE
May 2024Verified booking
Great visit of the Blue Mosque with Gamze (sorry if misspelt!) Very clear explanations, Gamze took the time to answer questions and made sure everyone could hear her. She’s clearly passionate about Istanbul and its beautiful monuments ! Highly recommend, we had a great time and the Blue Mosque is absolutely stunning. No guides allowed in Hague Sophia but our guide still took some time to explain a bit and accompanied us to the security entrance.
Li
May 2024Verified booking
The pre visit talk outside was interesting and well delivered but we hadn't been made aware that the guide would not be coming inside with us. And although we spent in total only 30mins queuing we skipped nothing at all so ticket sale promise was disingenuous . I also want to mention that as a picture conservator I was amazed by the quality of the overpainting of the interior Orthodox artwork ...such angel's wings in this site of legendary cultural importance.........
Susan
Apr 2024Verified booking
I was in Istanbul during Eid, with huge crowds , so happy to have purchased these tickets. Easy process and excellent guide
Tanner
Apr 2024Verified booking
To be honest, my partner and I felt a little bit underwhelmed by the tour. We did get to skip the line for the Hagia Sophia, but we got a 10 min briefing before we went in and then as soon as we entered our guide showed us to the audioguide area and left us saying "he wasn't allowed to guide us through" which we saw a sign for, however there were probably 50 groups that we saw that were being guided, so that felt weird. As for the Blue Mosque we could barely hear our guide and we only spent about 15 minutes inside, and it was free entry... So it definitely didn't feel worth €112 for two people. We more or less paid that much for just the Hagia Sophia and a 30 minute tour. Overall it was a fun day though and they are definitely sites worth seeing.
Anton
Apr 2024Verified booking
A lot of Information about the history of the Hagia Sophia and things which vanished and things which are still visible!
- Unlock Istanbul's history on a 6-hour guided walk through its Old City, ideal for curious travelers and first-time visitors.
- Your guide brings Istanbul's past to life, from Roman ruins to Ottoman opulence, like how the Topkapi Palace's kitchen employed over 1,000 people in its heyday.
- Explore a fusion of empires in Hagia Sophia's architecture, a mosque that was a church once built upon the ruins of an ancient pagan temple.
- Learn how the Romans influenced the Basilica Cistern, where recycled columns and inverted Medusa heads ward off evil spirits.
- Iznik tiles are a cherished element of Ottoman architecture, and you'll learn how they adorn Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
- Unlock Istanbul's history on a 6-hour guided walk through its Old City, ideal for curious travelers and first-time visitors.
- Your guide brings Istanbul's past to life, from Roman ruins to Ottoman opulence, like how the Topkapi Palace's kitchen employed over 1,000 people in its heyday.
- Explore a fusion of empires in Hagia Sophia's architecture, a mosque that was a church once built upon the ruins of an ancient pagan temple.
- Learn how the Romans influenced the Basilica Cistern, where recycled columns and inverted Medusa heads ward off evil spirits.
- Iznik tiles are a cherished element of Ottoman architecture, and you'll learn how they adorn Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
Inclusions
- 6-hour guided walking tour of Istanbul’s Old City
- English-speaking guide
- Entry to Blue Mosque
- Headsets for groups of 15 people or more
Exclusions
- Entry to Hagia Sophia (EUR 28)
- Entry to Topkapi Palace (EUR 45)
- Entry to Basilica Cistern (EUR 30)
- Lunch
- Tip: For lunch, seek out local favorites like piyaz, a tangy bean salad from Antalya, or icli kofte, savory bulgur wheat dumplings with a spiced meat filling.
- Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for mobility issues.
- This tour focuses on the exteriors of landmarks and the stories behind them. Entrance fees to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern are not included.
- Strict dress code at Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia: Women should not wear knee-length shorts, skirts, or clothing with exposed shoulders or chests. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men should not wear knee-length shorts or clothing with exposed shoulders.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Istanbul Top Museums 3-Day Pass: Guided Tour + Entry Tickets & Free Bosphorus Cruise
- Enjoy a guided tour of Istanbul’s best iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over 2 or 3 days.
- Learn about the illustrious history of each of these landmarks from your expert English-speaking guide.
- Gain valuable insights about the iconic Hagia Sophia from your guide before you enter.
- Explore Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern while listening to interesting stories through an audio guide app available in 8 languages.
- Sail away on a relaxing 90-minute cruise of the Bosphorus Waterway as you admire the architectural beauty of Istanbul from a different perspective.
- Enjoy a guided tour of Istanbul’s best iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over 2 or 3 days.
- Learn about the illustrious history of each of these landmarks from your expert English-speaking guide.
- Gain valuable insights about the iconic Hagia Sophia from your guide before you enter.
- Explore Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern while listening to interesting stories through an audio guide app available in 8 languages.
- Sail away on a relaxing 90-minute cruise of the Bosphorus Waterway as you admire the architectural beauty of Istanbul from a different perspective.
Inclusions
- 60-min Topkapi Palace tour with skip-the-line entry
- 30-min Basilica Cistern tour with skip-the-line entry
- 60-min Hagia Sophia tour with entry
- 90-min Bosphorus Cruise ticket
- English-speaking guide for all attractions
- Audio app in 10 languages
Day 1
- Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Bosphorus Cruise Tickets
Day 2
- Topkapi Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- Tip: Topkapi Palace's ground floor has the best Instagram potential. You get to photograph the stunning interiors and beautiful ceilings.
- The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish.
- Facilities: Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
- For Hagia Sophia, Women are required to cover their knees, shoulders, and chest. Their hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men are required to cover their knees and shoulders. If you don't have a scarf or covering, it can be purchased at the entrance, at your own expense.
- With this admission ticket (except for Hagia Sophia), you will skip the ticket line, but not the security line. During high season, the security check could take up to 30 minutes.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for pets.
- Your guide will show you the way to each attraction, then you can set your own pace for exploring.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- These tickets are valid for 3 days from the date of purchase.
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Viktor
Jun 2024Verified booking
Kürzlich haben wir eine Tour zu einigen der berühmtesten Sehenswürdigkeiten Istanbuls unternommen, darunter die Hagia Sophia, die Blaue Moschee und die Cisterna Basilica. Leider war das Erlebnis insgesamt sehr enttäuschend, da weder Audioguides noch Kopfhörer zur Verfügung gestellt wurden. Wir waren eine große Gruppe und es war fast unmöglich, den Führer zu hören oder die Erklärungen zu verstehen. Die geschichtlichen und kulturellen Hintergründe, die diese Orte so faszinierend machen, gingen uns so völlig verloren. Ohne Audioguide oder Kopfhörer waren wir gezwungen, uns durch die Menge zu drängen und die Informationen selbst zu suchen, was den Besuch sehr stressig und unbefriedigend machte. Für ein so wichtiges touristisches Ziel hätten wir einen viel besseren Service erwartet. Insgesamt war die Tour absolut schlecht organisiert und wir würden sie unter den gegebenen Umständen nicht weiterempfehlen. Eine Investition in Audioguides und Kopfhörer wäre dringend erforderlich, um den Besuchern ein zufriedenstellendes und informatives Erlebnis zu bieten.
Oliver
Jun 2024Verified booking
The 3 guides for Topkapi, Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet Mosque, Sunken Palace were excellent: there was helpful information and comments that are not in the guidebook and they were very helpful!
View original review in German
Margarita
Jan 2024Verified booking
The app to make reservations is excellent. There is always the concern if it is real and not a fraud. I can attest that it is real, it is not a fraud. They are very punctual according to the times indicated for each tour. There has never been any inconvenience. Two things need to be improved: They walk too fast forgetting that in the group there are older people who walk slower. And when they offer the tour, they explain almost nothing because they are in a hurry to leave. My tour at the Blue Mosque was about 30 minutes when it was supposed to be 90 minutes. The Hagia Sophia tour took about 15 minutes.
View original review in Spanish
Ignacio
Dec 2023Verified booking
Everything was great, very well organized, the guides were fantastic... only one drawback, it's a pity that there are no guides who speak Spanish. 100% recommendable
View original review in Spanish
Andrej
Apr 2024Verified booking
Very good guide, easy to find and with many fun facts to make it even more interesting.
Miroslava
Mar 2024Verified booking
Perfect organization, thank you! Your guides are so nice and ready to help👍
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- Explore 3 of Istanbul’s iconic mosques on a half-day walking tour, accompanied by an expert multilingual guide.
- Visit Hagia Sophia from the outside, a masterpiece popular for its splendor has transformed from a cathedral to a mosque and museum.
- Marvel at the grandeur and exquisite blue tiles of the Blue Mosque and the serene ambiance of Suleymaniye Mosque.
- Sip on local drinks at a historical madrasah and indulge in Turkish culture and flavors.
- Explore 3 of Istanbul’s iconic mosques on a half-day walking tour, accompanied by an expert multilingual guide.
- Visit Hagia Sophia from the outside, a masterpiece popular for its splendor has transformed from a cathedral to a mosque and museum.
- Marvel at the grandeur and exquisite blue tiles of the Blue Mosque and the serene ambiance of Suleymaniye Mosque.
- Sip on local drinks at a historical madrasah and indulge in Turkish culture and flavors.
Inclusions
- Small-group tour
- English, Spanish, Italian, Chinese-speaking tour guide
- Local drink at a historical Madrasah
- Beverages
Exclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Hagia Sophia entrance fee (€25 per person, added by the Turkish Government from January 15, 2024)
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Tip: Take a leisure stroll to the Spice Bazaar, situated a walk away from the Suleymaniye Mosque and discover a variety of aromatic spices and sweets.
- This tour is available in Italian, Chinese, English, and Spanish.
- It's recommended to wear clothes that cover shoulders, underarms, back, and knees.
- Bring along your scarf, sweater.
- This tour can accommodate a maximum of 9 people in 1 group.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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Aug 2024Verified booking
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Hagia SophiaGuided Tours
Top things to do in Istanbul
Why Take a Hagia Sophia Guided tour?
- In-Depth Knowledge: A Hagia Sophia guided tour offers an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about the history, cultural significance, and architecture of the monument. Your tour guide will tell you about the local anecdotes and stories surrounding the attraction.
- Personalized Experience: A small guided tour can be tailored to the specific interests and preferences of the visitors, making for a more satisfying experience. An experienced tour guide can share insights and stories about Hagia Sophia's history, that may not be immediately apparent from simply wandering through the monument.
- Hidden Gems: Guided tours give you the opportunity to explore hidden artifacts and objects inside the Hagia Sophia. A tour guide will also take you through the complex historical objects inside the monument.
- Fast-Track Access: Guided tours also allow you to skip long lines and spend more time exploring the attraction. You also do not have to worry about missing any part of the attraction.
- Safety and Security: A guided tour provides an added level of security, especially for solo travelers or those who may need to become more familiar with the area. An experienced guide can help visitors navigate potential cultural differences or language barriers.
Highlights covered on your Hagia Sophia guided tour
Main Dome
The central dome of Hagia Sophia was constructed around 537 AD and has since been built and rebuilt over the centuries to keep up with the city’s different reigning dynasties. The dome stands 55 meters above the ground. The intricate designs, rich decorations, and series of smaller columns inside the dome reflect the impressive architecture of the Byzantine era.
Weeping Column
Located at the entrance of the monument, the Weeping Column is a unique feature of the Hagia Sophia Mosque. The column is believed to have been made from porphyry and shipped from the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. According to tradition, if someone touches the column and places their finger on a hole in it, all their ailments will be cured.
Imperial Door
The Imperial Door of the Hagia Sophia Mosque offers stunning views of the interiors of the monument. The Imperial Door leads to a small chamber that was used by the monarchs to prepare for their processions. The room is decorated with intricate mosaics and carvings, that reflect the decadence of the Byzantine empire.
Sultan’s Lodge
The Sultan’s Lodge is located in the upper gallery on the western side of the building and was built during the 19th century. The lodge has been used by the Sultan and his entourage during his visits to the Hagia Sophia. The luxurious furnishings and decadent decorations showcase the rich taste of the Ottomans. You have to climb up the stairs to explore this room.
Intricate Calligraphy
The domes and walls of the Hagia Sophia are covered with beautiful calligraphy. When the Hagia Sophia Church was converted to the Hagia Sophia Mosque in the 15th century, these ornamentations were added. The verses feature words from the Quran, the names of Prophet Muhammad, and the first four Caliphs, naskh and muhaqqaq, and they are enhanced with floral patterns.
Mosaics and Marble Columns
The mosaics and marble columns in the Hagia Sophia are standing testaments to the glorious era of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires in Istanbul. Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Prophet Muhammad, and their six Caliphs together share space inside the Hagia Sophia. The columns support the grand dome and create a sense of spaciousness and grace inside the Hagia Sophia Mosque.
Guided tours vs Non-Guided tours
Guided Tours
- Expertise: An experienced tour guide will take you through all the major highlights of an attraction and acquaint you with the history and cultural significance of those places.
- Convenience: You do not have to worry about cultural barriers or language problems, for your tour guide will take care of the transportation, tickets, and access to general areas.
- Time Management: A guided tour can help you make the most of your limited time at an attraction by providing a structured itinerary and ensuring that you do not miss any important highlights.
- Safety: It is best for solo travelers to book guided tours for you have fewer chances of getting lost or being misled in a tour group. You can also get advance warnings in case of steep stairs, uneven terrain, or restricted spots.
- Socialization: You can meet like-minded people, who also love traveling to the same kinds of places in these guided tours. Sharing your experience with others can also make for an enjoyable experience.
Non-Guided Tours
- Flexibility: Without a guided tour, you can plan your own itinerary and cover all the highlights of your attraction. You can go at your own pace and spend more or less time on areas that interest you.
- Independence: Exploring an attraction without a tour guide can feel rewarding as you will be responsible for researching and finding out more about the site.
- Cost-Effective: Guided tours are comparatively more expensive but well worth their money. You may save a few extra cents not booking guided tours, but you have to research and cover all the major attractions by yourself.
- Limited Social Interaction: Guided tours give you the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers, however, it may be too overwhelming for some folks, who prefer to spend time at attractions by themselves. If you go without tour guides, you may have limited social interaction.
- May Miss Attractions: You will have to research and find out about the history, cultural context, and stories behind an attraction by yourself, if you visit an attraction without a tour guide. Make sure you do your research well so as not to miss major attractions.
Frequently asked questions about the Hagia Sophia
Can I book Hagia Sophia guided tours?
Yes, you can book Hagia Sophia guided tours to enjoy an informative visit to the attraction and learn deeply about its history and culture.
How do I book Hagia Sophia guided tours?
You can book Hagia Sophia guided tours online. It is best to book these tours online to avoid standing in long lines. Your seat is also reserved and you do not have to worry about missing the attraction.
How much do Hagia Sophia guided tours cost?
Historian-guided Hagia Sophia tours begin from €14.99. You can also upgrade them to include combo tickets to visit more attractions.
What is included in a Hagia Sophia guided tour?
The Hagia Sophia guided tour includes a 1-hour tour of the attraction with an experienced English-speaking tour guide.
In what languages are the Hagia Sophia tours available?
The Hagia Sophia guided tour is only available in English. You can roam around the attraction for as long as you want after your 1-hour guided tour is over.
Is the Hagia Sophia guided tour worth it?
The Hagia Sophia guided tour includes an English-speaking tour guide that takes you around the church-turned-mosque for an hour, sharing important historical facts and interesting anecdotes about the attraction. Anyone with an interest in history and architecture will love it.
Does Hagia Sophia guided tours allow you to skip lines?
Those who book Hagia Sophia guided tours enjoy priority access to the attraction. You can avoid waiting in long lines and will be able to spend more time at the attraction.
Can I cancel a Hagia Sophia guided tour?
Yes, you can cancel the Hagia Sophia guided tour tickets 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.
How long is the Hagia Sophia tour?
The Hagia Sophia guided tour lasts for an hour. However, you are free to explore the attraction on your own for as long as you want.
